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Crews battle wildfires across two counties

HAMILTON TOWNSHIP, MONROE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — Multiple crews responded to a wildfire that spread across two counties Monday.

Along Route 115 in Hamilton Township, crews have set up a command center of sorts as they battle the wildfires. It is currently down to one lane and traffic is backed up for miles.

Eyewitness News spoke to Chief Leon Clapper of the Blue Ridge Hook and Ladder Fire Company who says multiple calls came in around 11:00 a.m. Monday morning for wildfires along Route 33.

The first fire they found was between Interstate 80 and Snydersville. Then, more flames were discovered along Route 33 going up to the Lehighton exit. After that, they discovered additional wildfires near the Northampton County line and more wildfires in Northampton County.

At this time, Chief Clapper says there are at least 12 wildfires with dozens and dozens of fire companies responding. DCNR and the wildlife and game commissions are involved.

The chief says the National Park Service is on the scene as well because they are on the Appalachian Trail where there is a Bird Sanctuary.

“It’s very unusual. This is the third time this year that it’s happened to everybody, so you know everything gets turned over at this point to DCNR and at that point, it’ll be under their investigation and not through the State Police Fire Marshal yet,” said Chief Clapper.

The chief says the fire is contained on the Blue Mountain. The DCNR will likely be on the scene for days due to the dry conditions.